running and humidity
mbaker566
Posts: 11,233 Member
As a beginner at running, I've been lucky enough not to have to deal with all the humidity of summer. But it is here. And it is awful.
How does one keep running when the air is so heavy? I was doing well and now I've had to take it back and take extra breaks.
Do we get used to the humidity eventually?
How does one keep running when the air is so heavy? I was doing well and now I've had to take it back and take extra breaks.
Do we get used to the humidity eventually?
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Replies
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Depends. I currently run after sunset and at temperatures around 105F/40C. If the air is dry I'mnot doing well because I get dehydrated without the cooling effect of sweating. I do better when it's humid as my sweat doesn't dry as soon as it leaves the pore. My running is much less good than it was at lower temperatures though. But once autumn comes I'll be brilliant! and finally finish C25K.0
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Make sure you are drinking plenty of water, wear moisture wicking clothing, and do a jog walk pattern. I also find going early in the morning or later in the evening is much more enjoyable. Good Luck and Have Fun0
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Taking breaks is good. You should also slow down as heat will make your heart rate rise, so your old pace is too fast in the heat. Keep plenty of fluids in you, and electrolytes are good too for longer sessions where you lose a bunch through sweating.
You can acclimate to it, but you will STILL be slower. You just won't suffer AS much.
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You just keep going and slow down when you need to. It helps a lot to run out of the sun too.0
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If you live in the Midwest or South, you'll pretty much just have to deal with the humidity!! LOL. I try and go running about 8 pm or later when it's really unbearable outside. The sun is starting to go down and it's not quite as bad. I recommend carrying a water bottle with you to keep you hydrated. I only run in my neighborhood and can swing by my house to get a quick drink and then finish my run. They make packs that you can wear around your waist that hold water. For me the less I have to carry the better when I'm running!0
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Slow down drink a lot. Also try and run at cooler times I like early morning0
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Expect to be a lot slower.
And as long as it's not a thunderstorm or a heavy downpour, I love running in the rain. I sweat so much, it doesn't really matter. I'm just as drenched when I get home either way.
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My first time running in a high humidity/high heat environment, I wore non-wicking clothing and set out from the house at approximately 6:45 am. I ran 5.5 miles before I realized my sweat wasn't evaporating and my heart was racing. I ran the rest of the way home and promptly passed right out on the living room floor. I woke up 2 hours later... oops!
I say wait until near or after sunset and wear that moisture wicking clothing! I find the humidity (in Florida, at least) is better in the evening than in the morning and my body can regulate heat better.0 -
All of that ^^^ . Drink lots more, run in the early morning or later when the sun is setting, try to run where there is shade and not out in the sun, slow down, proper clothing, bring a water bottle with you to drink or keep your head wet with. Remember the signs of heat stroke....
- High body temperature. A body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher is the main sign of heatstroke.
- Altered mental state or behavior. ...
- Alteration in sweating. ...
- Nausea and vomiting. ...
- Flushed skin. ...
- Rapid breathing. ...
- Racing heart rate. ...
- Headache.
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I got a back-pack hydration thingie. The one I got is not a camelback (because $), it's called a gooseberry. I love it. I can bring a full liter on my runs.0
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I live in Florida, I do my walking at 6 am, a lot cooler, still humid but not as bad.0
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As a beginner at running, I've been lucky enough not to have to deal with all the humidity of summer. But it is here. And it is awful.
How does one keep running when the air is so heavy? I was doing well and now I've had to take it back and take extra breaks.
Do we get used to the humidity eventually?
You do what you've already done. Slow down, stop and walk if you get overheated. make sure you stay hydrated and your body will keep adjusting.
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Agree with the slow down, hydrate advice. Don't be hard on yourself just keep getting out there. In the fall you will be happy you stuck with it and it will feel easier once you have braved the summer
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Yeah, opposite happens in the fall. All of the sudden you are super fast!0
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Yep. Just seconding what's already been said. Run early, stay well hydrated, accept that you will be slower and reap the benefits in the fall!0
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In addition to the other advice above, I wear a RoadID on my shoe. It has my name, wife's name, phone number and a phone number that a first responder can call to get my medical history.
I also carry my phone on long runs/rides so I can call someone if I'm out in the sticks miles from home and it becomes apparent that I'm not going to make it back home under my own power. The weather can change, you can have a "bad day", equipment problems, etc.0 -
I'm not getting very far. just 1 mile at 5am on weekdays and 2or 3 on weekends.
Thank you for all the helpful advise. It was just feeling like I was breathing thru a blanket this morning.
I also love running in the rain. thunderstorms included. downpours not as much because wet shoes suck
I bring my phone as that is is my fitness tracker. I haven't gotten roadside id but I do have my DL with me.
haven't started bringing water yet. not feeling overheated. but I'm sure I will come july and aug0 -
Just chiming in with everyone's advice. I live in Houston, so heat and humidity is a regular issue here. I run earlier in the morning, or later in the evening. My pace is a lot slower. I make sure I'm hydrated before a run and re-hydrate after. I also enjoy the fact that fewer people are out running, so the park is less crowded and I feel a little like a bad@ss. 0
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there is some badge of courage being awake and running albeit slowly at 5am0
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I moved to the desert to get away from humidity but we have the edge of a hurricane sitting over us and it's really really (relatively) muggy (AND it won't rain at all). I even felt it in my living room this morning, a regular short workout had me pouring sweat and I almost fell asleep during the stretch afterwards.
So my advice is move to the desert, I guess
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never. lol. I am on my way to the Pacific Northwest whenever I can. but I've never been working on my fitness before. so this will be interesting. but I have a year to prepare.
desert is nice. antelope canyon is lovely. but give me trees and rain and all the glory that comes with a temperate rain forest
humidity i'll have to learn to deal with. lungs will adapt0 -
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I like running in humid weather I don't like dry heat I just always have a bottle of water with me.0
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Depends. I currently run after sunset and at temperatures around 105F/40C. If the air is dry I'mnot doing well because I get dehydrated without the cooling effect of sweating. I do better when it's humid as my sweat doesn't dry as soon as it leaves the pore. My running is much less good than it was at lower temperatures though. But once autumn comes I'll be brilliant! and finally finish C25K.
Your sweat drying in dry weather IS the cooling effect. The faster your sweat dries the stronger the cooling effect is. If it's humid as your sweat dries slower, you get less of a cooling effect. This is why hit humid weather is not as comfortable as hot dry weather.
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I'm a newbie runner too and this advice has been great! I was thinking of getting a waist belt with the smaller water flasks since I tried a backpack and didn't like the weight on my back.
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Depends. I currently run after sunset and at temperatures around 105F/40C. If the air is dry I'mnot doing well because I get dehydrated without the cooling effect of sweating. I do better when it's humid as my sweat doesn't dry as soon as it leaves the pore. My running is much less good than it was at lower temperatures though. But once autumn comes I'll be brilliant! and finally finish C25K.
Your sweat drying in dry weather IS the cooling effect. The faster your sweat dries the stronger the cooling effect is. If it's humid as your sweat dries slower, you get less of a cooling effect. This is why hit humid weather is not as comfortable as hot dry weather.
It's also because it feels like you're sucking a swamp when you breathe. (Would happily move to a desert if one existed in my country)0 -
sucking a swamp is a perfect metaphor
I like the belts, I got a small one for my phone and keys. I'll be looking at another one with a water thingamajig and two pockets. I saw one at the store when I picked up my shoes
5am is necessity. work starts at 7 and showers and food must be made before the 30 min commute. I plan on getting up earlier eventually as I get longer periods of running done0 -
Today's run was at about 79% humidity. This is me and my puddle of sweat when I finished.
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I just started today using a trick for cooling off quickly post hot run.
Pre-soak some small towels with water , put in freezer bags and then in your freezer. Pull a bag out pre-run (maybe add a few ice cubes if the bag will be sitting in a hot car while you run) and when your are finished your run you will have an ice-cold cloth to cool your head and neck with (and wipe off the salt and sweat). I just tried it today and it was like heaven. So simple and effective.0 -
I started running in April, and this humidity is killing me! I've just been taking 1 minute walking breaks when needed. I also bought a hip pack that carries a water bottle, my phone, my inhaler, and my car key (with parkrun key tag that has my ICE phone number on it).
I'm just looking forward to running in September 0
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